Linked ornamental chain



ug. 15, 1939. R. MANTZ LINKED ORNAMEN TAL CHAIN Filed May 2, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

KOBE}? r 9N 7- z BY W WWI/7 4A ATTORNEYS.

7 Aug. 15, 1939. R. MANTZ LINKED ORNAMENTAL CHAIN 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 2, 1959 INVENTOR.

ROBERT Mmvrz BY .M VW

. ATT RNEYS.

Aug. 15, 1939. R NT 2,169,265

LINKED ORNAMENTAL CHAIN Filed May 2, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

RoBER T, Mn/vrz BY 44% My A ORNEYJ:

Patented Aug. 15, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LINKED ORNAMENTAL CHAIN Application May 2, 1939, Serial No. 271,247

9 Claims.

My present invention relates generally to ornamental devices and has particular reference to a new and improved type of linked ornamental chain.

Coordinately, my invention relates to an improved chain element per se, adapted to be associated with identical elements to form a linked device.

Each chain element of the present invention is preferably an integral stamping from a single initially fiat piece of rigid material, such as thin metal; and it is a general object of the present invention to provide this chain element with a shape, configuration, and general nature, whereby large variety of ornamental articles may be conveniently and inexpensively assembled and manufactured.

In accordance with my invention, each chain element has an ornamental area and an attachment area arranged one in front of the other, the attachment area being preferably narrower. When a plurality of these chain elements are interconnected, in the manner hereinafter to be described in greater detail, they assume overlapping relationships, and the ornamental area of each element lies over and thereby conceals the attachment area of the forwardly adjacent chain element.

The present invention is characterized by the provision, in the attachment area, of a longitudinal slit at each side of the midportion, and of a pair of transverse prongs at the rear end. The midportion is preferably depressed to a slight extent and the roots of the prongs are substantially aligned with the slits, respectively. Each set of prongs, when the links are interconnected, extends through the slits of the rearwardly adjacent chain element, and each prong has a width considerably less than the length of the slit through which it extends. This permits relative longitudinal movement between each two adjacent chain elements, and by the term longitudinal movement I intend to include an arcuate movability substantially in the plane of the link. The links are also relatively movable in an arcuate manner, relative to a plane which is perpendicular to the link and which passes through the longitudinal axis of the chain.

As a result, a large variety of different effects 50 be produced, each of unique ornamental nature, and the construction thereby lends itself readily to the manufacture of many different articles, such as belts, bracelets, necklaces, pendant ornaments, buckles, and ornamental articles of this general character.

In one embodiment of the invention, a means is provided for yieldably holding at least a group of the chain elements against longitudinal separation, and in this way the utility of the construction is further enhanced, as will be pointed out hereinafter,

I achieve the foregoing objects, and such other objects as may hereinafter appear or be pointed out, in the manner illustratively exemplified in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a single chain element, showing the obverse face, and indicating in dotted lines how a similar chain element may be associated therewith;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 33 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional View taken substantially along the line 4-4 of Figure 1, with dotted lines showing how similar chain elements are associated in a series;

Figure 5 is an obverse view of a group of interlinked chain elements;

Figure 6 is a rear view of Figure 5;

Figure '1 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 showing the reverse side of a single chain element of slightly modified construction;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 8-8 of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 5 illustrating a modification;

Figure 10 is a rear view of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 9 showing a further modification;

Figure 12 is a diagrammatic end view of a bracelet constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 13 is a side view of the same;

Figure 14 is a front view of an ornamental device showing a further possibility of usefulness of the present invention;

Figure 15 is a rear view of Figure 14; and

Figure 16 is a view of a belt, showing a further possible ornamental construction.

The chain element or link entering into the present construction is preferably composed of thin metal or its equivalent, and in Figure l I have shown an integral stamping of this general character. I have illustratively shown an ornamental area 20 of substantially semi-circuiar contour, although it will be understood that any suitable contour or surface ornamentation or embellishment may be provided for, as desired. If the ornamental area 20 is considered to lie at the forward end of the chain element, the rearward portion of the element is shaped to define an attachment area 2! which is preferably narrower than the area 20. At its rear end the attachment area is provided with the transverse prongs 22, preferably directed toward each other with a slight space between them. The roots of the prongs 22 are substantiaily aligned, respectively, with the longitudinal slits 23 arranged at each side of the midportion 24 of the attachment area 2|. This midportion is preferably slightly depressed with respect to the plane of the ornamental area 20.

It will be observed that the width of each prong 22 is considerably less than the length of each. of the slits 23.

When two links are interconnected, the prongs 25 of the forwardly adjacent link 28 (shown in dotted lines in Figure l) are first bent up so that they may be extended through the slits 23, and they are then restored to their normal disposition, as a result of which they will accommodate themselves over the depressed midportion 2 t. It will be observed that the ornamental area 28 lies over and thereby conceals the attachment area 1. can

chain elements, all of which are identical, a chain device is produced as indicated in Figures 5 and 6. In each of these two figures, the reference numeral 20 is applied to each ornamental area, the reference numeral 23 is applied to all slits, and the reference numeral 22 is applied to all prongs.

By virtue of the fact that the width of each prong is considerably less than the length of the slit through which it extends, a relative longitudinal movement between each two adjacent chain elements is permitted.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7-10, the chain is provided with a means which yieldably holds a group of the chain elements against longitudinal separation. This means has been shown in the form of a resilient member 39 which is longitudinally arranged on the underside of the chain and attached to certain of the chain elements. For this purpose, I prefer to construct each chain element in the slightly modified form shown in Figures '7 and 8. In these figures, 3i represents the ornamental area, 32 the attachment area, 33 the longitudinal slits, and 34 the prongs, all of these elements having been heretofore described. Th midportion 35 of the attachment area is specially provided with the struck-up prongs 35 which are adapted to grip and hold fast to the overlying portion of the resilient member 30, as shown most clearly in Figure 10, but it will be understood that not all of the links need necessarily have the prongs 36.

The resilient member 30 is thus held in proper position and exerts a constant pull upon the chain elements, holding them yieldably against longitudinal separation. It is for this reason that the elements of Figures 9 and 16 are shown relatively closer together than the elements of Figures 5 and 6. A chain thus constructed is yieldably extensible, and is thus admirably adapted for use as a belt, bracelet, or the like.

For example, referring for the moment to Figure 16, it will be observed that the present linked chain may be made into an attractive ornamental belt composed of a series of adjacent overlapping links 31. In Figure 16, I have chosen to show this belt provided with a large ornamental buckle 38 at one end and a suitable hook or fastener 39 at the other end. One group of links has been shown, in Figure 16, provided with an elastic or resilient member 46, and another group has been shown with a similar resilient member 4 I. These resilient members are of the character shown most clearly in Figure 10, and some or all of the chain elements with which these resilient members are associated will be provided with prongs such as those shown at 36 in Figures '7 and 8. The belt is thus given a normal reduced length which is yieldably extensible when the belt is used.

In Figure 11 I have shown a modified construction in which the ornamental areas 42 have a substantially square configuration, instead of a semi-circular one, thus illustrating the variable possibilities inherent in the present invention.

In Figures 12 and 13 I have shown, for illustrative purposes, a bracelet which may be formed of a linked chain of the character shown in Figure 11. In this case, the links are successively interconnected in a closed sequence which causes the chain to bend in an arc which lies in a plane perpendicular to the plane of each link and passing through the longitudinal axis of the chain. [13 a result 01 the narrow prongs and the relatively lengthy slits, the links assume the tangentially projecting relationships shown in Figure 12, which is of high ornamental and attractive value.

On the underside of the chain of Figures 12 and 13, a resilient member 43 is preferably provided, this member serving to impart the desired extensibility or expansibility to the bracelet.

In Figures 14 and 15 I have shown, for further illustrative purposes, a construction which may be employed as a dress ornament, buckle, or the like, this device being formed of a series of interconnected links 44, as hereinbefore described, the links being again connected in a closed sequence, but in the figure 8 relationship shown in the drawings. This construction is made possible by the relative longitudinal movability of each pair of adjacent links, as hereinbefore described. Figure 15 shows the reverse side of Figure 1e, and serves to illustrate the relative dispositions of the prongs 45 in the slits 46.

It will be understood that the various chain devices which are capable of assembly, by means of the present invention, need not necessarily be left in movable or adjustable relationship. For example, the device of Figures 14 and 15, after its initial assembly, may be provided With solder or the like at the regions where the prongs extend through the slits. In this way, further relative movability is prevented, and the device is caused to remain permanently in a fixed position. The term relative longitudinal movement, as used in the appended claims, is therefore intended to refer to the inherent original movability, apart from any extraneous means, such as solder or the like, which may subsequently be used to prevent further relative movement between the links of the chain device.

Thus, as a further illustrative example, the buckle 38 of Figure 16 may be composed of a chain of the present character, with the links interconnected in a closed sequence, thus defining a substantially circular construction. After this assembly of links they may be permanently locked to each other, by solder or otherwise, to provide an ornamental buckle of the character shown. Fastening devices, such as loops, hasps, or other auxiliaries, may obviously be soldered or otherwise attached, to the reverse side, wherever necessary.

In general, it will be understood that changes in the details, herein described and illustrated for the purpose of explaining the nature of my invention, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims. It is, therefore, intended that these details be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention, and illustrated its use, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a linked ornamental chain, a series of identical flat chain elements arranged in overlapping relation, each chain element comprising a forward ornamental area and a rearward attachment area, the latter having a longitudinal slit at each side of its midportion and a pair of transverse prongs at its rear end, each set of prongs extending through the slits of the rearwardly adjacent chain element, and each ornamental area lying over and thereby concealing the attachment area of the forwardly adjacent chain element.

2. In a linked ornamental chain, the combination set forth in claim 1, each prong having a width considerably less than the length of the slit through which it extends, thereby permitting relative longitudinal movement between each two adjacent chain elements.

3. In a linked ornamental chain, a series of identical flat chain elements arranged in overlapping relation, each chain element comprising a forward ornamental area and a rearward attachment area, the latter having a longitudinal slit at each side of its midportion and a pair of transverse prongs at its rear end, each set of prongs extending through the slits of the rearwardly adjacent chain element, each ornamental area lying over and thereby concealing the attachment area of the forwardly adjacent chain element, each prong having a width considerably less the length of the slit through which it extends, thereby permitting relative longitudinal movement between each two adjacent chain elements, and means for yieldably holding at least the underside of the chain and attached to chain elements of said group.

5. In a linked ornamental chain, the combination set forth in claim 3, said means comprising a resilient member longitudinally arranged on the underside of the chain and attached to chain elements of said group, each chain element to which it is attached having struck-up prongs which grip said resilient member.

6. In a linked ornamental chain, the combination set forth in claim 1, each element being an integral stamping from a single initially fiat piece of rigid material.

7. In a linked ornamental chain, the combination set forth in claim 1, the midportion of each attachment area being depressed relative to the plane of the ornamental area, the engaged prongs lying within said depression.

8. A chain element for association with identical elements to form a linked ornamental chain, said element being an integral stamping from a single initially flat piece of rigid material and comprising an ornamental area and an attachment area arranged one in front of the other, the attachment area having a pair of transverse prongs at its end and having also a longitudinal slit at each side of its midportion, the width of each prong being considerably less than the length of each slit, said prongs having their roots substantially aligned with said slits respectively.

9. A chain element for association with identical elements to form a linked ornamental chain, said element being an integral stamping from a single initially flat piece of rigid material and comprising an ornamental area and an attachment area arranged one in front of the other, the attachment area having a pair of transverse prongs at its end and having also a longitudinal slit at each side of its midportion, the width of each prong being considerably less than the length of each slit, said prongs having their roots substantially aligned with said slits respectively, and the midportion of said attachment area being depressed relative to the plane of the ornamental area.

ROBERT MANTZ. 

